Parkinson's Disease Center

Established in 1977, the Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston has been long recognized as one of the world s leading clinical and research institutions focusing on Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders. The National Parkinson Foundation recognized the accomplishments of the center by selecting it as a Center of Excellence in 1992. The center, directed by Dr. Joseph Jankovic, professor of neurology, provides a setting for treatment, research and education with the goal of finding a cause and cure for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.

Baylor College of Medicine is located at the hub of the Texas Medical Center, a complex of more than 45 independent institutions occupying over 600 acres. The location of the Parkinson's Disease Center in the world's largest medical complex allows for easy access to numerous clinical and research facilities. Since its establishment, the center has evaluated more than 10,000 patients with Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders. The demographic data on all the patients is maintained in a database, serving as a powerful resource for clinical studies.

Dr. Jankovic, founder and director of the Parkinson's Disease Center, obtained his neurological training at the Neurological Institute, Columbia University, New York City. Dr. Jankovic was promoted to a full professor of neurology and a senior attending physician at The Methodist Hospital (now Houston Methodist) in 1988. In 1992, the National Parkinson Foundation recognized the Parkinson's Disease Center as a "Center of Excellence." Dr. Jankovic has authored hundreds of scientific articles, chapters in standard textbooks, and edited or co-edited several books on Parkinson's disease and related disorders. The second edition of the book Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, edited by Drs. Jankovic and Tolosa and published by Williams and Wilkins has become the standard textbook on Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. Dr. Jankovic has been recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions and leadership in Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders and was elected president of the Movement Disorder Society.